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Multimodal Exercise and Nutritional Interventions in Pediatric Cancer: Effects on Physical Function, Body
Antonio Ibáñez-Camacho1, Belén Pastor-Villaescusa1,2, Jose Manuel Jurado-Castro1,2,3
1Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Cordoba, 14071 Cordoba, Spain.
Children (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 26, 2026
Summary
Multimodal exercise and nutrition interventions can improve physical function and body composition in pediatric cancer survivors. Evidence suggests combined training and individualized nutritional care are feasible, but more research is needed for long-term application.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Pediatric cancer survival rates have improved, but survivors often face long-term physical and metabolic challenges.
- Treatment side effects like chemotherapy and glucocorticoids, alongside inactivity and poor nutrition, can lead to decreased muscle mass, bone density, and increased cardiometabolic risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on the effectiveness of combined exercise and nutritional interventions for pediatric cancer patients and survivors.
- To assess the impact of these interventions on physical function, body composition, nutritional status, and metabolic health.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review of literature from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to April 2026.
- Inclusion of studies evaluating combined exercise and nutritional strategies in pediatric oncology.
Main Results:
- Structured, supervised exercise, especially resistance and combined training, appears safe and feasible, potentially improving cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, and body composition.
- Individualized nutritional care focusing on protein, micronutrients, and energy needs is recommended over BMI alone.
- Current evidence is limited by small sample sizes, varied protocols, and short follow-up periods.
Conclusions:
- Integrating supervised exercise and individualized nutrition into pediatric cancer care may mitigate treatment-related complications.
- Future research requires robust randomized trials with standardized protocols and long-term follow-up to establish optimal multimodal care models.
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